Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshey sets world record with eight-wicket haul in T20I

THIMPHU: Bhutan’s Sonam Yeshey etched his name into cricket history after claiming eight wickets for just seven runs in a men’s T20 International against Myanmar, setting a new world record.

The 22-year-old spinner achieved the remarkable feat during Bhutan’s 82-run victory over Myanmar in the third of five T20I matches between the sides, played in Gelephu on Monday.

Yeshey’s performance represents the most wickets ever taken by a bowler — male or female — in a single T20 International. Of his eight dismissals, six batters were caught, one was bowled, and one was dismissed lbw.

Bhutan posted 127 for 9 before bowling Myanmar out for just 45 runs, sealing a dominant win. The record-breaking spell has garnered global attention for the young spinner and underscored Bhutan’s growing presence in international cricket.

Previously, the men’s T20I record was held by Malaysian seamer Syazrul Idrus, who took 7 for 8 against China in July 2023. In women’s T20Is, Indonesia’s off-spinner Rohmalia Rohmalia holds the best figures, with 7 for 0 against Mongolia in April 2024.

Bhutan is an associate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC). According to the BBC, many players at this level are unpaid amateurs. The ICC’s associate teams currently have 36 centrally contracted players, evenly split between men’s and women’s national sides.

Bhutan are ranked 77th in the ICC men’s T20 rankings, while Myanmar are ranked 95th.